Messages of support have been posted on Facebook after the council blocked plans for a Kingston Green Kidsfair over safety fears.

Organiser Des Kay was left baffled by the decision because it would have been just one tenth of the size of the regular Kingston Green Fair which ran in Canbury Gardens from 1987, until bad weather crippled the finances making it impossible to continue.

Kingston Council identified "serious flaws" in his risk assessment but Mr Kay said several failed attempts to get detailed feedback meant he couldn’t change the assessment to make sure it complied.

A council spokesman said: "Kingston Council is always happy to speak to organisations that want to put on interesting and entertaining events in our green spaces.

"We recognise that events like this play an important part in making this a nice place to live, work and visit.

"However, the council also has a duty to ensure events are run safely."

A 125-strong Facebook group conveyed disappointment at the decision.

Member Ian Gregory wrote: “Why don't they simply make it illegal to have fun?"

Another post read: "No account has been taken for the immense amount of time you spent just trying to spread a little communal happiness."

Despite the vocal support, the council said opposition from residents was also a deciding factor for not granting permission for the fair.

It is believed they gave it the thumbs down during a consultation.

Hugh Scantlebury, chairman of the Canbury and Riverside Association said: “We’ve had bits of feedback from people who haven’t been very enthusiastic."

"I think the disruption that happened at the Green Fair, and the fact it was underused for two years because of the weather, put people off."

Mr Kay said the event, part of the May’s Paint the Town Green month, would have benefited children and community members keen to raise awareness of the green agenda.

He said: "It’s such a disappointment. I just can’t believe it."

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